Tag Archives: A DOG WALKS INTO A NURSING HOME by Sue Halpern

Sue Halpern’s book is filled with “lessons in the good life from an unlikely teacher”–and is filled with examples of touching, funny reality therapy.

On Tuesday, November 8th—regardless of which presidential candidate they voted for—most Americans thought that at least the chaos of the long campaign would finally be over. But the truth is, although the election ended, the hard feelings, stress and worries continued.

This post is a day earlier than usual because I felt the need to share what some are doing to reduce that stress and anxiety right now. The title is a hint. The solution is not anti-anxiety drugs, alcoholic concoctions to numb emotions, or the Hot Line number for a counselor who will help callers sort out their anger and stress. It’s fur. Really.

Borrowing from the original “Keep Calm And Carry On” of our friends across the ocean, the current American version is “Keep CALM AND HUG A PUPPY.” This is not just for children looking for comfort and a way to de-stress. It’s for adults in Washington, D.C. and everywhere.

Dogs to the de-stressing rescue of staffers on Capitol Hill (Fox News)

In addition to hugging a friendly dog, being open to laughter is also highly recommended. Dana Perino, former Colorado resident and now author and political commentator on Fox News, combines humor and dogs in this example:

Mug shots of both the guilty dog walker…and the guilty dog~~off leash. 🙂

This post is not meant to over-simplify the legitimate difficulties, dangers and fears ahead. It’s a reminder that laughter is indeed sometimes the best medicine, and feeling a dog’s heart beat as it cuddles against you is also at least worth a try to put things in perspective.

Please share other suggestions on how to lighten a heavy situation. We need all the help we can get.